UK to Change Visa For Indian MICE Groups In Order To Attract Events

March 16, 2016

UK to Change Visas For Indian MICE Groups In Order To Attract Events. As of April 2016 the UK government are to change the visas issued to Indian MICE groups. The UK Visa and Immigration are to launch a new scheme to help support any Indian companies who are bringing in over 150 delegates to UK for an event. The new visa is heralded as being far more straightforward.

The Minister for Immigration, James Brokenshire announced whilst in India, “In the last few years, UKVI has tried to improve its visa offers for Indian travelers. The new MICE scheme recognises the growing value of this market, and we are keen to support organisations bringing large groups to the UK,”

The MICe groups wishing to enter the UK will be given a single point of contact at the UKVI to discuss their trip, visa requirements and help arrange all documents required. The visas will be submitted together and will be assessed in one go, rather than individual visa checks per person. Group appointments will be arranged if required to save time and there will be no extra cost for this. In addition to this there will be an option to arrange the visa within max. working 3-5 days, speeding up the whole process significantly.

Jasbir Singh from Travel Spirit International who works with outbound travel groups from India explained,“The processing time for group visas was previously long and there was uncertainty whether all travelers in the group will be issued a visa. Now with a dedicated point of contact, MICE organisers will be able ensure that all required documents are in place and their queries are addressed promptly,”

At present India is being courted by a whole host of Western countries who are trying to encourage Indian tour groups, investment and event revenue to be spend within their respective countries.